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Sunset Paradise

Sunset Paradise

Sunset Paradise  is a conceptual event. It aims to create an inclusive space for queers and peers that exudes beauty and sun kissed moments, in an intimate setting on a beautiful rooftop. Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail, cider or champagne, the experience, mated with wonderful music, is nothing but bliss. 

Curated by Caps Lock Concepts, Sunset Paradise advocates for the representation of queer bodies in the Cape Town nightlife scene by creating bespoke events in different settings that cater to various demographics. The event is held at the Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town because it offers a very relaxed rooftop area and this would be great for summer events and for a cocktail under the sun. 

The guests are expected to arrive between 3-4pm. They are escorted to their tables by the hostess. They order a cocktail or cider just to get into the groove of things as the night slowly creeps in. The Dj plays fan favourites to get the guest on the dancefloor and slightly dehydrated so they eventually gravitate towards the bar to quench their thirst. The mood simmers down to accommodate the live performances for about 20-30 mins. Then the DJ turns up the heat, now the night is in full force. The guests are beginning to make decisions they are likely to regret in the morning. This is a measure of a great night. Around 9:30-10pm, the guests slowly trickle out to enjoy the rest of the night elsewhere. 

Sunset Paradise is an event advocating for the representation of queer bodies in the Cape Town nightlife scene. The plan, according to the creators, is to host this event every second month and to create a safe space for queer people to relax and have fun with their peers. The event is set on a theme so as to make the experience new and  exciting each time. The target market leans towards a youthful and vibey crowd of queer young proffessionals who arent afriad to spend money. However, the doors are open to everyone. 

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French Food

French Food in Cape Town

French food is typified by its high sophistication, boasting an upper echelon rank in the world’s culinary pyramid. Some foodies, however, may also describe it as being incredibly fussy and pretentious. Cape Town hosts a seeminglyan infinite number of French restaurants, deliciously representing a variety of regions in France. From the simple crepe to the slightly more complicated Cassoulet, you can find it all in the comfort of the Mother City. 

The Cargill restaurant in Rondebosch is the best place to be if you’re hoping to enjoy an authentic French meal. Be prepared to be greeted by the smell of freshly baked tarts and quiche from the moment you enter. 

Closer to the CBD, you’ll find the Thirty7 Restaurant. The open show kitchen makes the culinary experience even more delightful. Set within the 5-star Westin Hotel, the Thirty7 offers a wide selection of French delicacies and the food quality is exceptional. Instead of standing in a crazy long queue for an overpriced sandwich at the CTICC after a conference, head over across the road and eat at the Thirty7. You won’t regret it.

Experience fine dining and elegance at its best at the La Mouette restaurant in Sea Point. True to the nature of France, this husband-and-wife owned mansion is a great place to enjoy a romantic night out. Indulge yourself with the house-made ricotto tartellini with umami emulsion, pastry oil and almond crumble, or as they call it, “a French classic with a twist”.

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Smiley Da Boss

Credit: Smiley Da Boss

Smiley Da Boss

Kabelo Rafelane was born and bred in Pretoria. He credits his cousin as the spark that lit his passion for music. “One day I saw my cousin using Virtual DJ to play at family functions. He taught me the basics of the software and I taught myself every other technicality”. Smiley has aspirations of growing his career beyond the decks. The ultimate goal, according to him, is to be a full time artist and not just a DJ.

Credit: Smiley Da Boss

“I want my music to transcend borders, for my sets to leave an everlasting impression but most importantly, for my craft to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves”

Smiley adds that a lot of people he encounters ask him about the origin of his name. “I actually got this name in grade 2 because I’ve always been a happy person. I was always smiling and always laughing, it’s always been about the good vibes. So I call myself Smiley De Boss because I’m a boss and i’m always smiling”, he said with a smile on his face. 

It goes without saying that UCT campus parties would not be the same without the high energy sets by DJ Smiley Da Boss. He makes it his personal mission to leave the crowd wanting more. 

“I have been a die-hard lover of music from a very young age, from when I was born actually. I’d listen to the radio very often and I’d listen to these things called “mixes”, usually by DJ Kent”. 

In his budding career, Smiley has played sets alongside some of South Africa’s heavyweight DJ’s  such as DJ PH, MRF Souls, TashingaMTK… and the list goes on. His popularity gained him a residency at Amapiano Sundays, a weekly event for students hosted at Kind Regards in Observatory. 

You can find him on Instagram @smileydeboss_sa




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Fashion Magazine You Could Be Featured On.

Fashion Magazine You Could Be Featured On.

As a designer, fashion Influencers or blogs we all want to be on the glossy pages of Vogue, GLAMOUR and so many more. But the print industry is slowly dying all around the world. But don’t be alarmed there are online alternatives that you and your work can be a feature on. And All you to do is put yourself out there. Take a lip of faith and submit your work to the following magazine.

Africa is now Magazine 

“AFRICA IS NOW is an online magazine focusing on the contemporary African content. It serves as a platform for African creatives and creativity, showcasing fashion, photographers, beauty, art, culture, music and the voices of the people of Africa. We’re seeking out the emerging tastemakers, creative collectives and game-changers shaping the future of Africa right now. From vibrant visual essays to in-depth interviews and multimedia, AFRICA IS NOW offers a rich snapshot of the creative work spanning the continent and its diaspora.” – Africa is Now magazine

Website: https://africaisnowmag.com/fashion/

Credit: African Is Now
Credit: African Is Now
Credit: African Is Now

Afrostyle 

Its motive is to capture the African style in an authentic way and it has done it with passion and commitments. It brings together different fashions from all parts of African and showcased it through their line of fashion. They create beautiful editorials that have been seen globally. 

Website: https://www.afrostylemagazineexclusives.com/

Credit: Afrostyle
Credit: Afrostyle
Credit: Afrostyle

Glam Africa

This is among the top leading magazine that keeps you updated with what is new in the fashion world. It has an amazing outline which is tailor-made. It also brings you all the entertainment and gives news on fashion events. www.glamafrica.com

Credit: Glam Africa
Credit: Glam Africa
Credit: Glam Africa

These are the 3 magazines we think all designers and brands should reach out to. If you know or own a fashion magazine please comment on our Instagram, we will more than happy to feature your magazine or fashion platform on our next blog post. For more fashion blogs please follow our Instagram for updates.

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There’s a new gin in town…

There's a new gin in town...

The story behind Kitapo African gin:

The Kafue River of the Zambezi is home to the infamous mermaid Kitapo. Infamous for her long black hair and red glowing eyes, Kitapo is said to have fallen in love with the river god Nyami Nyami. However, on being separated from his wife as a result of the construction of the Kariba dam, the river god is said to have unleashed vengeful floods and tremors that still plague the land today. 

Inspired by the mermaid, Kitapo African Gin is distilled in Cape Town with an unwavering commitment to quality. We have chosen ingredients grown under the African sun that are bold and truly embody the Spirit of Africa, more especially the Kafue River of the Zambezi.

At Kitapo, we aim to tell and celebrate the forgotten stories of our heritage. In addition to making products that we can be proud of and can identify with, we look forward to collaborating with other businesses to promote African stories and culture.

The gin itself:

Crafted from a blend of grape spirit our African Gin is traditional in flavour while allowing the palate to experience a sense of the Kafue River. We have infused this base with various organic botanicals from different river beds.

With juniper as the most prominent flavour, the gin is infused with hints of Turkish delight and rounded off by notes of cardamom and citrus. Once ice is added, the flavours bloom making each sip unforgettable. 

Perfectly poised to appeal to the sophisticated craft gin consumer, this gin is minimalist with a touch of elegance.

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Tashinga MTK

Credit: @tashinga
Credit: @tashinga
Credit: @tashinga

TashingaMTK

Popular Tashinga is a versatile club and event DJ based in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. With a background in Event Promoting and Club Management, he has a vast knowledge of getting a crowd of any size to have a great experience.

The steady rise of his brand got him appointed as a brand ambassador for premium champagne, Luc Belaire, and rum brand, Bumbu. The 27-year-old Zimbabwean native is one of the hottest DJ’s to appear in the Cape Town scene. 

Credit: @tashinga

TashingaMTK undoubtedly owned 2019 on the decks. He has taken the civic task of meeting the dance floor needs of South Africans with his unrelenting enthusiasm behind the decks. “A friend of mine by the name of VJ Jonno taught me how to DJ. That is when I discovered that maybe I could do this.” 

Touching on his tertiary days, Tashinga shares how he studied videography at AFDA and later developed a passion for photography, teaching himself in his spare time. Having dabbled in many streams, Tashinga settled firmly in his first media company in 2011, Greenback Media Group. 

“I’m a DJ, club manager, brand strategist, and entrepreneur”, says the Cape Town DJ when asked to describe himself. Tashinga has established himself as a force in the Cape Town entertainment industry. It is safe to say that more can be expected of him. You can find him on 

Instagram @tashingamtk  

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Tumi Turna

Credit: Tumi Turner
Credit: Tumi Turner
Credit: Tumi Turner

Tumi Turner

Today’s DJ is known for her RnB/Hip Hop and Trap mixes. Even at her young age, she’s truly a force to be reckoned with.  

 Re-itumetsi Mphatswe, fondly known as Tumi Turna by friends and industry colleagues, has been a lifelong lover of music. Appropriately described as “vibrant, energetic, and the life of the party”, Turna prides herself in the ability to turn any turn-up into a mosh pit.

Credit: Tumi Turner

Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she took her passion for music and entertainment to Cape Town, becoming an RnB/Hip-hop and Trap DJ.

 “I think the Durban scene differs from Cape Town because there are more clubs in Durban now and the DJ’s rotate instead of securing a permanent residency in one club”

 Known for her thoughtfully curated playlists, high energy sets, and ability to join the crowd and dance, she has made her presence known in the male-dominated world of DJing. 

Her musical journey has led her to play her sets on formidable stages, featured among the likes of DJ Zinhle, Yanga Chief, AKA, to name but a few. Starting as a club and events promoter, Tumi Turna was surrounded by music and DJ’s she grew to understand how crowds react to music, sparking her interest to pursue a career as a DJ. 

 “Lately I found myself incorporating more SA hip-Hop in my sets. Before I usually played hits from 2017 and further, but now I’ve started to play more new music and I’m also trying to find the middle ground between Trap music and Hip-Hop.

 Establishing her brand at campus parties,it is safe to say that she is one of the most sought after DJ’s at the University of Cape Town. Turna credits her love for DJing to her mentor and friend, Tashinga MTK who taught her the tricks of the trade. 

 You can find her on Instagram: @tumiturna. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media platforms @capetownthing and check out our previous blog about Amapiano Music.

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Amapiano…Anyone?

Amapiano... Anyone?

Source: Yours Truly Cafe

The advent and prominence of the amapiano subgenre in South Africa has been the most exciting to experience. Also known as ‘the yanos’ on Twitter, The uniquely South African subgenre of house music has taken the new age nightlife scene by storm since 2016. Tracing the origin of Amapiano is a bit tricky mainly because it started in backdoor bedrooms and garages in the deepest parts of the townships. 

“If you put one hundred guys in a room and ask them where amapiano started you will get one hundred answers and some very heated debates,” said Simphiwe Ngwenya, co founder of born in Soweto, a homegrown label that’s backed amapiano since its early days.

Some of the key players in the  amapiano culture include self proclaimed King of AMapiano, Kabza de Small, DJ Maphorisa, JazziDisciples, MFR Souls, Mark Khoza, and the list goes on. The genre also boasts of other prolific producers like Virgo Deep, De Mthuda and Dj papers as other notable players in the genre. 

Cape Town took a while to embrace the eclectic sound of Amapiano but it’s getting there. With venues like Kind Regards hosting weekly ‘Amapiano Sundays’ for students and lovers of groove alike. Rands in Khayelitsha has also been a key figure in pushing the Amapiano agenda in Cape Town. 

Check out this trending Amapiano song ‘Mapara A Jazz – John Vuli Gate [Feat Ntosh Gazi & Colano]’ here

Comment what your favourite Amapiano song is below

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From Koesisters to Samosas… A Cape Malay Journey

From Koesisters to Samosas... A Cape Malay Journey

Source: The Spruce Eats
Source: Unsplash
Source: Cook Halaal

It probably goes without saying that the best place to find Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town is the ever-colourful Bo-Kaap. Visiting the Bismillah Restaurant is your best bet to try Cape Malay food.  Here, you’ll find a fusion between Malaysian, Indonesian and South African culinary traditions characterised by a burst of flavours and aromas.

The locals consider Bismiellah to be a culinary institution in the community that has upheld the culture and traditions of Cape Malay food for years. On the menu, you’ll find Cape Malay delicacies like the samosa, which is a triangular-shaped fried pastry dish with a filling of your choice from chicken or mince to vegetarian options with peas, carrots or potatoes. You should also try the Bobotie, a sweet and sour flavoured lean beef mince, stir fired with fresh herbs and spices, topped with a milk egg glaze and served with sweet yellow rice. Yum! Another specialty you just have to try is the famous Koesister (not to be confused with a koeksister – that deliciousness deserves its own blog post!), a fried doughnut generously coated with coconut flakes on the outside and a honey cinnamon glaze.

Cape Malay food encompasses the art of home-styled cooking. The flavours are unique to Cape Town and the food remains an important part of Western Cape’s culture and heritage, especially amongst the Muslim community of Cape Town.  If you have not tried Cape Malay cuisine or your mouth is just watering right now – grab your car keys, an uber, bicycle or your tekkies JUST DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET THERE and try this mouth watering cuisine.